Clinical Services Operations Director

Are you an exceptional operational leader who thrives on shaping high‑performing, values‑led clinical environments? Do you want to make a meaningful impact on veterinary care, education, research, and the student experience? If so, this could be your next defining role! Lead...... Inspire...... Transform. The Royal Veterinary College is seeking a Clinical Services Operations Director —a strategic, people‑centred leader who will play a pivotal role in delivering excellence across our clinical teaching facilities. Reporting to the VP (Clinical Services), you will ensure that our hospitals, practices and diagnostic services deliver the highest quality care while supporting world‑class teaching and research. This is a rare opportunity to influence the future of veterinary clinical services across two sites, working alongside senior academic leaders, clinicians, and professional service teams. You will champion operational effectiveness, financial resilience, and a culture grounded in our RVC values. What You’ll Lead In this influential role, you will:

• Oversee day‑to‑day operations across our clinical hospitals and diagnostic labs
• Drive delivery of key financial, people, customer, and quality metrics
• Develop and embed collaborative, efficient operational structures across all clinical operations 
• Shape a culture of excellence and inclusivity, ensuring everyday behaviours reflect our values
• Partner with academic clinicians to support teaching, growth opportunities, and innovative clinical services
• Lead the development of operational and capital business plans
• Coordinate capital investment priorities to support long‑term strategic goals
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, professional, H&S and accreditation standards
• Strengthen relationships with key external partners and suppliers
• Represent RVC at sector events—promoting our reputation as a leader in veterinary care and education

You will also support site leadership teams, enhance performance through data‑informed insight, and ensure seamless collaboration across Estates, Finance, IT, HR, External Relations and more. Who We’re Looking For You are an experienced confident, inspiring leader with a proven track record of delivering operational excellence at regional or senior management level. You’ll bring:

• Values‑led leadership and exceptional interpersonal skills
• Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to influence at all levels
• Commercial acumen and robust experience across budgeting, business development or sales
• Strategic thinking and the courage to challenge constructively
• A collaborative approach that builds trust across clinical and professional teams
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and change delivery capability
• A passion for driving high‑quality services that balance financial, educational, and clinical priorities

If you're goal‑oriented, motivated by evidence‑based improvement, and energised by leading through complexity—this is the perfect role for you. We offer a generous reward and benefits package including:

• A welcoming and friendly team 
• Competitive and attractive pension package
• Generous 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays + concessionary days)
• Opportunities for regular development and in-house training
• On site café and restaurant 
• Free membership to the Fitness and Wellbeing Centre located on site (gym, badminton, climbing wall, Zumba, yoga and Pilates classes included)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free mini-bus service to and from Potters Bar station and Hawkshead Campus
• A range of family friendly policies, including adoption, maternity and paternity pay and leave

Why Join Us?At the RVC, you’ll be part of a community dedicated to advancing animal health, educating future leaders, and delivering outstanding veterinary care. Your leadership will directly influence the student experience, clinical excellence, and the long‑term sustainability of our services. Potential applicants wishing to discuss this position informally are encouraged to contact Amanda Boag, Vice Principal for Clinical Service at [email protected] The University values diversity and inclusion – promotes equality of opportunity by working towards ensuring our workforce is reflective of our diverse community. We particularly encourage applications from women and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds across all roles which are under-represented at senior levels across the University.

Further details:

We promote equality of opportunity and diversity within the workplace and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.